This
book is a revision of the first edition originally published
in 1939 which has gone through 300,000 copies. Not only
does it tell the appalling story of alcoholism, but it also
serves to give a deep insight into the philosophy and functioning
of A.A.

Five
chapters devoted to the relationship of the alcoholic to
his wife and family contain many instances of marital and
domestic difficulties, their meaning and methods of handling
them. Spouses and families that have been spared the presence
of an alcoholic can never fully appreciate what it means
to have a family member a victim. These chapters dispel
many of the misconceptions and false notions of how the
alcoholic should be treated, and they offer many sound suggestions
in this area.

The
second part of the book contains thirty-seven case histories
of alcoholics. Twelve of these relate to pioneers of A.
A.; twelve tell about people who stopped drinking in time.
The remainder are inspirational in nature.

At
the present time A.A. numbers more than 150,000 members.
In view of its short history, less than twenty years, this
is a phenomenal growth. Since we have over 800,000 problem
drinkers in the U.S. it is immediately obvious that hospitalization
is impossible even if it were feasible. Because of this
fact, efforts like A.A. take on a practical urgency. As
the book well indicates, A.A. does not seek to supplant
the psychiatrist or medical man. However, the group experiences
of A.A. has evidently been sufficiently strong to help chronic
alcoholics take the steps necessary for their rehabilitation.

This
book is a welcome addition to the literature on alcoholism.
It has value for the alcoholic who is seeking help, his
family and friends and even the persons professionally concerned
with his treatment and recovery.